Optimization of the size of CSTR reactors through the method of maximizing the area of ​​rectangles (didactic strategy)

Abstract

The objective of this work is to achieve significant learning and its better understanding by students who are studying Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design Principles. Using the Excel solver as a didactic tool, it presents the analytical solution to the system of equations generated to determine the optimal size of CSTR reactors that operate in series in an isothermal and isobaric way. The procedure involves knowing the intermediate conversion achieved by each reactor to determine the optimal volume of each unit, which is described by the method of maximizing the area of rectangles on the Levenspiel curve, which is extrapolabled “n” reactor units, unlike the graphical method that is iterative and only practical up to three units.